Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights meeting, June 11, 2026
- When: Thu, Jun 11, 2026, 10:15 AM (Chicago time)
- Where: City Council Chamber, 2nd Floor, City Hall, 121 North LaSalle Street - Chicago, IL 60602
- Status: Scheduled & Published
- Committee: Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights
- Video: https://vimeo.com/showcase/8928487?video=1200250847
- Transcript: full text (17,462 words, automatic captions)
Meeting notes
AI-written from the transcript. Speakers are inferred from cues in the recording, so treat names as estimates and check the video at the linked time.
The Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights met to consider the May 2026 Rule 45 report and a resolution expressing support for the preservation and expansion of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, introduced by Chair Andre Vasquez Jr. and Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez members of the public spoke, most in support of the resolution, and invited witnesses from Centro Romero, the National Immigrant Justice Center, the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and TheDream.US described DACA's history, current renewal delays and fees, and the program's economic contributions. Alderpersons Rodriguez, Rodríguez Sánchez and Gutiérrez spoke in support, and the chair asked witnesses about the Texas litigation, data on Dreamers' earnings and the strain on service providers. The Rule 45 report was approved and the resolution passed by voice vote, to be reported as a recommendation to pass at the June 17, 2026 City Council meeting.
Topics: DACA, immigration, Rule 45 report, DACA renewal delays, immigration legal services, Chicago Legal Protection Fund, federal immigration enforcement, Dreamers economic impact
Agenda items discussed
- 31:09 Public comment
- 58:36 Motion to allow Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez to attend virtually under Rule 59: passed
- 58:57 Approval of the May 2026 Rule 45 report: passed
- 59:12 Resolution expressing support for preservation and expansion of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) (R2026-0025433): passed
Alderpersons who spoke
- Andre Vasquez Jr. (chair): Introduced the DACA resolution, describing renewal delays of up to six months and calling on Congress to provide DACA recipients a path to lawful permanent status and citizenship. (59:40); Described DACA as a half measure and said the Democratic Party has failed to address immigration fully, adding that legalizing undocumented residents would help the economy. (1:45:41); Asked the National Immigrant Justice Center how Texas demonstrated injury in its DACA litigation. (1:49:15)
- Jeylú B. Gutiérrez (alderperson): As co-sponsor, expressed support for DACA recipients losing jobs due to renewal delays and encouraged colleagues to support the resolution. (1:02:16); Reiterated support for the resolution, thanked advocacy organizations and committee staff, and said local officials can advocate though they do not have the final word. (2:02:06)
- Michael D. Rodriguez (alderperson): Thanked the sponsors, panelists and community organizers for their work during recent federal immigration enforcement activity. (1:31:26); Said one in five Chicagoans is an immigrant and cited sales and business license figures for 26th Street as evidence of immigrant economic contributions. (1:32:48); Called for comprehensive immigration reform and said he would hold his own party accountable for achieving it. (1:33:49)
- Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez (alderperson): Shared a story about working with immigrant youth at a theater company and witnessing undocumented young people speak publicly at a 2010 rally. (1:38:38); Told DACA recipients and immigrants that they belong in Chicago and contribute to the city. (1:41:40); Said advocates should stop pursuing incremental measures and called for multiracial solidarity behind clear demands. (1:42:34)
Exchanges between members
- 1:02:07 The chair passed the floor to co-sponsor Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez for remarks on the resolution.
- 1:02:16 Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez thanked the chair for allowing her to co-sponsor the resolution.
- 1:31:26 Alderperson Michael D. Rodriguez thanked the chair for bringing the resolution forward along with Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez.
- 1:38:16 Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez thanked the chair before her remarks.
- 1:45:03 The chair thanked Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez for sharing her story and points.
- 1:47:36 The chair said he agreed fully with Alderperson Rossana Rodríguez Sánchez remarks on making demands rather than settling.
- 2:02:06 Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez thanked the chair and apologized for her earlier absence.
- 2:04:26 The chair thanked Alderperson Jeylú B. Gutiérrez and said her remarks were perfectly put.